FAQ

In this section we have listed all the answers to the questions most frequently asked in connection with our conferences and evening events, the conference documentation, your Newsletter options and your user account.

1. Questions on how to register

2. Questions on how to plan your arrival and how to book a hotel

3. Questions on the conference and the evening event

4. Questions in connection with the event documentation

5. Questions on the Newsletter

6. Questions concerning your user account

1. Questions on how to register

1.1 How can I register quickly and securely for an Akademie Fresenius event?

Please find below a range of options for registering for a Fresenius event:By Internet: Checkout www.akademie-fresenius.com for information on all Akademie Fresenius events. Simply choose a topic on our homepage to be automatically redirected to the corresponding event page. Alternatively, you can use our event search section on our homepage or the general search field right at the top of our webpage.

Once you have selected an event, click on the "Book now" button at the top right-hand side of the page. This will automatically take you to our registration form. You can now choose whether you want to register via your user account or not. The advantage of registering using your login is that it saves you from having to re-enter all the details you originally specified when setting up your user account. If you do not have your own user account yet, you can set up a new one now – totally free.

Should you have any problems while registering, please call us: +49 231 75896-50. We would be pleased to help you!By email: Send your registration request directly to registration@akademie-fresenius.de. Just tell us the name of the event for which you (and your colleagues) would like to register. The most important thing to note is that you should also add your signature and, if you have one, your customer account number, and include your invoice address so that we can process your registration quickly and without further ado.

By fax: The back page of all our conference brochures contains a registration form. Simply fill this in, sign it and fax it to the following number: +49 231 75896-53.By telephone: The brochures and the information contained on our webpage list the direct telephone extension number of a specialist who can answer all your questions in connection with your selected event. You can also register by simply calling the specialist. Shortly after the call, you will receive an email confirmation which you will be required to return by email to reconfirm and finalise your booking.

By post: You will find a registration form on the back of all the conference brochures and on the webpage. Simply fill in this form, sign it and send it to the following address:

Die Akademie Fresenius GmbHAlter Hellweg 4644379 DortmundGermany

Normally, the participants receive an email confirmation from us within 24 hours after registering.

Our invoice:Whichever registration process you opt for, we will send you our invoice, which includes VAT (tax-deductible), several weeks prior to the event.

Do not forget to book your hotel room!We kindly ask you to book your hotel room at the conference hotel yourself. We always reserve a limited number of rooms at reduced rates for the participants. Please feel free to take advantage of this offer on a first come, first served basis. Simply quote "FRESENIUS" when booking. Check the back page of our conference brochure or the registration confirmation email for hotel details.

1.2 Your event is already fully booked? – We can find a solution!

Simply contact our responsible conference organiser. The name and contact details of your conference organiser are listed on our webpage in the section devoted to your event, as well as on the back of our conference brochure. We will make every effort to help you and find a solution!

When the demand for a particular conference is particularly high, Akademie Fresenius will organise additional events or repeat the event on a regular basis. In addition, we have a waiting list for all events which are already fully booked. Once you are on this list, you will be offered a place as soon as one becomes available. Just give us a quick call and ask us. Quite often we can offer you alternative dates which are not yet available on our Internet page!

1.3 What is a Discount Code?

This is a special discount which is our way of saying "Thank you" to our returning customers. We will send you your Discount Code either by post or email. This code is only valid for a limited period and applies solely to the event in question. It can, however, be combined with our group discount offer which comes into effect when a company makes a group booking for three or more participants. All you need to do is to enter your Discount Code when booking and your discount will be automatically deducted from the registration fee.

1.4 Is your company eligible for a group discount?

If you register for one of our events together with other colleagues from your company, we can offer the third and all additional participants a 15% group discount. This discount is automatically deducted from the registration fee as soon as at least three participants from the same company are named during any single registration process. Simply select the function "Register further participants". Of course, you can also get in touch with us directly. Please refer to our webpage, the respective event section or the back of our conference brochure for the name and contact details of your event specialist. You can also dial the switchboard: +49 231 75896-50. We will be happy to put you through to someone who can help.

1.5 When will I receive a confirmation of my registration?

If you register via the webpage, you will automatically receive a confirmation that your registration request has been successfully submitted as soon as you have completed the booking process. Please note: This is only a receipt confirming that you have successfully submitted your registration request. You will receive a separate email with all your individual details – generally within 24 hours of submitting your registration request – to officially confirm your registration.

Finally, the inevitable happens – our invoice arrives. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please contact us. Please refer to our programme or webpage for the name and contact details of your event specialist. You can also dial our switchboard: +49 231 75896-50. We will be happy to put you through to someone who can help.

1.6 When will I receive the invoice for my Akademie Fresenius event – and how will it be sent?

Once we have received your registration, we will post off our invoice to the specified invoice address – usually several weeks prior to the event kick-off date.

1.7 When is my invoice due?

The amount due must be paid without deductions two weeks after receipt of the invoice, at the latest prior to the day on which the event commences.

1.8 What payment options do I have?

You can pay by bank transfer, cheque or credit card. For security reasons, we kindly ask you to contact us prior to sending us your credit card details.

1.9 Is my registration automatically binding?

Yes, your registration is binding – irrespective of the registration method used. Please contact us, should you require more time for your decision before actually submitting a binding registration request. We would be glad to reserve a place for you free of charge and without further commitment for a limited period.

1.10 Up to which date can I cancel my registration?

You can cancel your registration at no extra cost – without needing to state your reasons - up to four weeks prior to the event kick-off date. Please note, however, that your cancellation needs to be submitted in writing. Unfortunately, if you cancel shortly before the event, i.e. between one and four weeks prior to the event, we will be forced to invoice a cancellation fee amounting to 50% of the total registration fee. The whole registration fee becomes due, should you fail to show up or if you cancel during the last week in the run-up to the event.

You are free to name a substitute at no extra charge at any time – without needing to state your reasons. However, we do request that you let us know the name of the substitute straight away so that we can prepare his/her documents accordingly.

1.11 What is the deadline for registering for an Akademie Fresenius event?

You can register whenever you want – assuming, of course, that we still have some free places. There is no registration deadline. If the chosen event is already fully booked, we will gladly put you on our waiting list. We will then make every effort to move you from our waiting list and offer you a final place.

Of course, we are always pleased to welcome participants who want to register last minute – simply give us a call (+49 231 75896 -50). However, some seminars have restricted sessions and work groups making it necessary to limit the number of participants so that we may not be able to guarantee you a place, if you want to book last minute. Also, in cases where a seminar is already fully booked, we regret that we will not be able to offer you a place at short notice. However, should that prove the case, we would be pleased to make some alternative suggestions.

1.12 Can I register more participants from my company at a later date?

Of course. We look forward to meeting your colleagues. Our events have no registration deadline so you can send us your registrations anytime you want - assuming that we still have some free places. However, some seminars have restricted sessions and work groups making it necessary to limit the size of the groups so that we may have to add your additional participants to our waiting list. Please not that we cannot grant you a group discount in that case.

1.13 What should I do if I am unable to attend or ill after having submitted a binding registration request?

If you are unable to attend an event for job or health reasons, it is important to let us know well in advance. You can make a cancellation free of charge up to four weeks prior to the event. Once this deadline has passed and up to one week prior to the event, we will be forced to invoice a cancellation fee amounting to 50% of the total registration fee. The whole registration fee becomes due, should you fail to show up or if you cancel during the last week in the run-up to the event.

However, you are free to name a substitute at no extra charge at any time.

1.14 Can one of my colleagues stand in for me at an Akademie Fresenius event?

If you are unable to attend an event you have already booked for job or health reasons, we would be happy to welcome one of your colleagues in your stead. We are prepared to accept a substitute at any time - at no extra cost. In such cases, please contact your conference organiser directly. The name and contact details of your personal event specialist can be found in your registration confirmation, on our webpage and in our programme.

Should you only be prevented from attending on one of the conference days, a substitute may attend in your stead on the date in question. However, we ask that you contact the event organisation team at Akademie Fresenius beforehand to confirm. Unfortunately, it is not possible to substitute a participant once the event has started.

1.15 Can I switch to a different Akademie Fresenius event?

For us it is important that you are happy and can discuss the topics that are of true interest to you. You can change your booking and switch to a different event up to four weeks prior to the start of the event - free of charge. Of course, any price differences will be taken into consideration accordingly – be they to your or our own benefit. Simply dial +49 231 75896-50 or send an email to info@akademie-fresenius.de with details as to your request.

1.16 Is the personal data I entered during the registration process automatically saved?

The personal data collected by Akademie Fresenius during the registration process is used solely for internal purposes. On no account will your data be used outside our company. We will never use your data for commercial trade purposes. When the event is over, we will send you updates on all our events and seminars which match your interests. You can reduce the number of event invitations received or unsubscribe completely at any time. In this case, please contact our customer service team (telephone: +49 231 75896-76) or send an email to fresenius@akademie-fresenius.de. Please refer to our Data Protection Policy for more information.

2. Questions on how to plan your arrival and how to book a hotel

2.1 How can I book a room at the event hotel?

Please make your own room reservation directly at the event hotel quoting our code: "FRESENIUS". We always reserve a limited number of rooms at the event hotel at reduced rates for our participants until just a few weeks prior to the event kick-off date. Full event hotel details can be found on the back side of our Event brochure and in the confirmation email. Please book well in advance to secure your room.

2.2 Apart from the event hotel, what other accommodation is available?

Should there be no more free rooms at the event hotel, we would be happy to provide you with a list of alternative local accommodation options. Please contact our event specialists (telephone: +49 231 75896-48) or send an email to registration@akademie-fresenius.com.

2.3 What is the best way to get to the event hotel?

Around two weeks prior to the event, we will send you an information email with hotel details, the full event programme and tips on the easiest way to get to the hotel. Alternatively, please click on the menu item "Venue" in the respective event section of our webpage for directions. Please note that you are responsible for organising your own transport to the event hotel. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us (by telephone: +49 231 75896-48 or by email to info@akademie-fresenius.com) or the hotel for more information.

2.4 Is it possible to arrive the evening before?

Yes, just book one extra night to get to your conference or seminar truly relaxed and without the rush-hour traffic. By the way, most of our conferences kick off the evening before with a Fresenius "Get together". Take the opportunity to start making new contacts – or to meet old friends – even before the event gets going. Our provisional room contingent also applies to the night prior to the conference and offers you the opportunity to take advantage of the reduced rate. Please quote the following code when booking: "FRESENIUS".

2.5 Is the cost of parking included in the fee?

If you plan on arriving by car, please check when booking or when you arrive whether you will have to pay parking fees. Generally, the hotels charge for parking and you are required to pay these charges yourself.

3. Questions on the event and the evening event

3.1 Which event is best-suited to my professional interests?

Akademie Fresenius would be pleased to advise you as to which events could prove particularly interesting. Our conference managers plan our conference agendas according to your specific needs and know which is the perfect event for you. Simply dial +49 231 75896-50 or send an email to fresenius@akademie-fresenius.de – we would be happy to help you.

3.2 How can I book a place?

If you are interested in a particular event, but need more time to make internal arrangements, you can reserve a place – free of charge and without further obligation. Simply go to the respective event section and click on the button "Reserve a place" at the top right edge of the screen to make a reservation. Alternatively, you are welcome to call us: +49 231 75896-50 or to send us an email toinfo@akademie-fresenius.de. We would be happy to hold a place open for you for a few days.

3.3 My event is already fully booked. How can I have my name added to the waiting list?

You would like to register for an event but it is already fully booked? Then have your name simply added to our waiting list. All you have to do is go to the event overview page or respective event section and click on the button "Add to waiting list" at the top right-hand corner of the screen. Of course, we would be happy to advise you with respect to subsequent events or other events focussed on similar topics. Simply dial +49 231 75896-50 or send an email to info@akademie-fresenius.de.

3.4 When the day is over, are any evening events planned?

All events spanning two or more days include an invitation to a joint event – dinner included – on the first evening of the event. This event lets you discuss the day's topics at more depth and offers the opportunity of making yet more new contacts.

3.5 Is the evening event included in the registration fee?

Akademie Fresenius heartily invites all our participants, speakers and guests from the press to join in our evening event at no extra cost. All venue details are included in our programme. You do not need to worry about a thing and can enjoy the networking opportunities the evening offers. When you register – and during check-in onsite – we always ask whether you would like to take part so that we can make this evening as enjoyable as possible for you. Please let us know of any special dietary needs you may have so that we can make sure the perfect choice ends up on your plate.

3.6 Is it possible to bring someone along to the evening event?

We are committed to making you happy. However, participation at the evening event is reserved strictly for the participants, speakers and guests from the press.

3.7 How is the transport to the evening event organised?

Akademie Fresenius organises the transfer to the evening event – usually by coach. During the course of the event, we will announce the exact departure times. Of course, you can also use your own car or alternative means of transport, if you wish to remain flexible.

3.8 What should I wear to the evening event?

There is no special dress code. Simply come in casual clothes or leasure wear. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and enjoy a pleasant evening in our company.

4. Questions in connection with the event documentation

4.1 What exactly is to be understood by “event documentation”?

At the beginning of our event our participants receive a set of event documentation. This consists of a file with copies of all the presentations and plenty of room for your own personal notes. Approximately two weeks after the event, we also send you login details for the download section of our webpage. This section includes all our conference documentation in digital form. Please note that we can only pass on presentations and information in electronic form where the speakers have specifically authorised us to do so.

Alternatively, you can access your event documentation anytime you want by logging into your user account. Click here to set up your free personal user account.

4.2 Can I order event documentation for a specific event without actually registering for this event?

If you would really have liked to attend a specific event but are prevented from doing so due to time pressure, you can order our conference documentation in the respective event section of our webpage. Simply go to the "Prices & Services" section and click on "Order conference documentation".

5. Questions on the Newsletter

5.1 What exactly is the Akademie Fresenius Newsletter?

We send you event tips and information via email on all the topics which may be of interest to you – totally free of charge and without further obligation. If you like to closely define the areas you are interested in – or if these have changed – you can modify the settings in the "My Newsletter" section of your user account. You can access your user account via the header at the top of the webpage by simply clicking on "Login"

If you do not already have a user account, click here for more information and register now – for free.

5.2 How can I subscribe to the Akademie Fresenius Newsletter

There are various ways of subscribing to the Akademie Fresenius Newsletter. At the bottom of our homepage on the right-hand side you will find an entry field. Enter your email address here and then click on the orange arrow to the right. Now enter your name and the topics you are interested in. You will then receive a confirmation email with a link to confirm your subscription.

If you have already set up your own user account, you can define your areas of interest and subscribe to our Newsletter in the "My Newsletter" section of your account. You can access your user account via the header at the top of our webpage by simply clicking on "Login".

If you want to receive information on a specific event, go to the respective event section of our webpage and click on "Request updates".

5.3 How can I unsubscribe from the Akademie Fresenius Newsletter?

You can unsubscribe from our Newsletter whenever you want by clicking on the link at the end of our Newsletter or by going to the "My Newsletter" section in your user account. You can also unsubscribe by simply sending an email to fresenius@akademie-fresenius.de or by giving us a call: +49 231 75896-50.

5.4 Why am I not receiving your Newsletters although I have already subscribed?

Have you already confirmed by clicking on the link in our confirmation email? The processing of your Newsletter request will not be completed until you have clicked on the link in our confirmation email.

Or does your email system possibly have an active spam filter installed? Please add fresenius@akademie-fresenius.de to your address book to ensure all our Newsletters arrive in your inbox.

6. Questions concerning your user account

6.1 What are the advantages of setting up a user account?

You can access your data anytime you want by logging into your personal user account. You also save time when booking an event, because all the details you entered when setting up your account are automatically filled in. Your user account also allows you to browse online through all the conference documentation of the events you have already attended – for an indefinite period of time. Your account also makes it easy to inform us of any changes in your areas of interest or if you are looking for particular agenda topics.

6.2 How can I register and set up my own user account?

You can register and set up your own user account anytime you want – totally free of charge and without further obligation. Simply click on "Registration" in the header at the top of our webpage. Please fill in all the fields marked * as truthfully as possible. In the "Password" field, please think up a secret six-digit password. You will need your password and the email address you specified earlier to be able to log back into your user account.

Should you have problems registering, please call us: +49 231 75896-50. We would be pleased to help you!

6.3 Why do I have to state my email address?

We need your email address in order to send you event updates for your special topics of interest. If you register for an event or order conference documentation, you will also receive a confirmation via email. If you set up a user account, your email address also serves as your user name when logging into your user account. We recommend using an email address which reflects your identity.

6.4 Why do I need a password for my user account and what are the password requirements?

If you set up a user account, a secret password is needed to keep your data safe. The password must be 6 digits long. For your own safety, we recommend using a combination of letters, numbers and/or special characters.

6.5 I have forgotten my password. How can I reset my password?

Should you have forgotten your password, click on "Forgotten your password?" in the registration section. You will then receive an email with a link which will reset your password and let you define a new one. Please note that this email may take up to 10 minutes to arrive – depending on your email provider.

6.6 How do I log into my user account?

You can log into your user account by clicking on "Login" in the header at the top of our webpage. Simply enter your email address and your password to log in.

If you do not already have a user account, click here for more information and register now – for free.

6.7 Can you guide me through my user account?

Once you have logged into your user account, you can review and edit your personal data, which includes your telephone number, your address and your password, by clicking on the menu item "My data". After having made your changes, click on the button "Save changes" to confirm your changes.

Click on "My events" for an overview of all your bookings. You can access all your conference documentation in this section. You can also rate the events you have already attended and browse through the ratings other participants have already submitted.

6.8 How can I submit a rating for a particular event?

Your rating helps other customers to get a better picture of the quality and character of our events, making it easier for them to decide whether they want to attend or not.

In the "My events" section of your user account you can rate any of the events you have already attended and browse through the ratings other participants have submitted. Simply enter the information you want others to see in your rating: Include your name or a synonym and, if you want, the name of your company and your function. Now submit your rating on a scale of one to five stars (one star stands for "very disappointed", five stars for "verry happy"). Follow this with a short personal comment on the event.

Alternatively, you can log in via the header on our webpage. Once you have logged in, go to the follow-up event in the event section of our webpage and click on "Submit a rating" at the end of the page.

Once you have sent off your rating, we submit it to a quick review. We reserve the right to refuse to publish racist and/or discriminating comments. Once your rating has passed our internal check, your comment will be published at the end of the follow-up event page in our event section. The average rating from all the ratings received from our participants is published in the header at the top of the page.

Rate all the events you have already attended right now by simply clicking on "Login" in the header at the top of our webpage!

6.9 How do I delete my user account?

To delete or lock your user account, contact us by sending an email to fresenius@akademie-fresenius.de or calling us at the following number: +49 231 75896-50.